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Elephants are found in Africa and Asia with about 450 000 elephants in Africa and about 32 000 in Asia. Unfortunately elephants are hunted and killed for their tusks. The ivory is used to make jewelry and statues but the main reason for the demand of elephant tusks is the belief that it contains medicinal benefits. Elephants are amazing animals and we should do everything we can to protect them.
Seven Curious and Fun Facts About Elephants
#1
Elephants scared of mice? No, but they are scared of ants and bees. In some African countries farmers put up beehives along the borders of their fields to protect it from elephants.
#2
Ever heard the saying 'memory of an elephant' well there seems to be alot more truth to it than some might think. Observations by researchers shows that elephants follow the same path and also hand down genetic memories of directions and places from generation to generation.
The following is a video of a herd of elephants walking through the lobby of the Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia. Every year, November, when mangoes ripen, the elephants make their way to a mango tree that is situated on the premises of the Lodge. The Lodge was built in the direct route of the mango tree which was visted by the elephants for generations.
#3
Elephants love to swim, the size of their bodies makes it easy for them to float. Places where elephants swim include rivers, dams, lakes and also the ocean. Elephants are excellent swimmers, covering distances of up to 48 kilometers, swimming continuously for hours.
#4
Elephant trunks are made up of more than 40 000 muscles. The trunk is used to breath, smell, touch, grasp and produce sound.
#5
An adult elephant drinks about 210 litres of water a day. Baby elephants don't know how to use their trunks to drink water until they're about 9 months old and instead use their mouths to drink water.
#6
Elephants are the largest land mammals and also have the longest gestation period of 22months. Baby elephants stand up shortly after birth and are born blind.
#7
Despite being so large in size, elephant skin is so sensitive they can feel when a fly lands on it.
Thanks to @river-island for hosting the 'CURIOUS FACTS CONTEST'
